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Integrate AVR and 2-Channel; Why so complicated?

I have what I think is a basic system need, yet cannot seem to determine the best way to go about configuring it.

I have an A/V Receiver that I use for HT. I would like to buy an Integrated Amp, or separates, for 2 channel listening. For 2 channel, I want the signal to be Source (cd player) => Integrated Amp ==> Loudspeakers.

For HT, I really don't care, it can continue to go through the AVR, or it can go from the Pre-Out on the AVR to the Integrated.

I thought I might be able to accomplish this with something like the Channel Islands VPC•3 Passive Controller, which is a preamp with a volume pot and an imput switch. Or, do I need and Integrated amp with an HT Bypass feature? Any help is appreciated.
braudio7
danlib1
819 posts
 
My Naim Nait 5i has a unity gain option for AV. Highly recommended unit if it meets your needs.
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks, all.

Reubent, the HT bypass feature does restrict my options a bit, but I recognize that configuring it this way is a compromise to begin with. Thanks for the info, I'll look into some integrated amps with that feature. Danlib, how do you like your Naim Nait 5i?
reubent
7,080 posts
 
You can actually do it without having an HT bypass. Any integrated amp will work. You just connect the L&R front pre-outs from your HT receiver to any unused line-level inputs on the Integrated amp. The only difference is that you will need to "pre-define" a position on the volume control of the Integrated amp before you calibrate the HT setup and also every time you use the HT setup.

You can simply choose a volume position like "top-dead-center" and simply turn the integrated amp's volume control to this position every time you use the HT system.

This setup is slightly more complicated, but once you do it a few times, it will become second nature.

Don't over think this. If you want a quality 2-channel system, just build it. Regardless of what integrated amp or seperates you choose, you can "add-on" the HT receiver to power the surround and center channels and provide HT processing.

The HT bypass or processor loop functionality just simplifies the setup a bit by taking the integrated amps volume control out of the circuit. But it is absolutely not necessary to have the HT bypass feature to accomplish a "combo" 2-channel and multi-channel HT system in the same room, sharing the front speakers and amplification.

Enjoy,

TIC
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Reubent, thank you for taking the time to answer my question in depth, this was exactly the info I needed. Now I can begin my search for a suitable integrated amp...
danlib1
819 posts
 
Braudio7- the Nait 5i is an interesting beast. It lacks the "ethereal presence" of the Cary SLI-80, but sucks you into the music every bit as well. It won't handle the low end- or the extreme highs for that matter- like the Pass X 250, yet it has a grip on the music that's just hard to describe. I love the amp, and find it everything I heard it would be. It's a slap in the head to realize this small, rather plain looking British box can deliver as it does, but there it is.

As always, the ONLY way to really judge something is to hear it for yourself in conditions you are familiar with, but it's obvious to me that the Naim guys know what the hell they're doing.
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